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The Twin Energies of Being
and Becoming
by Joey Walters
When we speak about feminine energy, it is important for us to be clear that this
is not something exclusive to women. Even defining qualities as "feminine"
or "masculine" is a little risky, as it begins to create separation.
However, most of us know in our hearts that there is a difference. For me, the best
description of this difference comes from the Earth Wisdom teachings, which speak
of the "feminine" aspect as a "being" energy and the "masculine"
as a "becoming" energy. When we weave these two energies together, we create
life.
This feminine being state is receptive, yielding, open and naturally connected
to life, love, spirit and all that is. It can also be described as the void, the
empty container through which new life is birthed. When we are truly being, truly
connected and allowing the grace of life to flow through us, we are experiencing
our feminine aspect. We are connected to the energies of love and compassion, which
flow through us.
The masculine becoming energy is active, expressive and outgoing. This brings
the being energy into form, creating boundaries and manifesting life through action
and outward movement. When fear drives us, it's easy to get stuck in this energy,
believing that our constant doing energy will in some way control our outcomes. It
is common for men and women alike to completely overlook the power of the being energy,
letting fear drive our masculine power to extremes. This can mean fierce conflict
and competition, defensiveness and aggression.
We create from the being state we're in.
If our state of being is distorted by fear, then what we manifest through
our becoming energy will be tainted with the same fear. Often, I have made
decisions about my life from fear that my sense of self will be shattered in some
way. I created even more separation from my own authenticity -- my true self that
allows strength to come from vulnerability and self-acceptance. It wasn't until I
started to slow down all the "doing" stuff, masking my fear, that I began
to realize how remote my own feminine nature was. I needed to find a way back to
balance in myself. Then I could begin to feel the strength of love that had been
so suppressed and allow it to guide my actions, decisions, thoughts and words.
The benefit is simple: The energy that we are being creates our experience
of life. As we evolve our lives from a state of love and compassion, we transform
our experiences to become those that feed us with the same love and compassion.
How do we activate this balancing power of love?
There are many ways to answer this question. One basic step is... through intention
and spiritual practice. We need to create the space for the being energy to strengthen
in us. And this isn't necessarily easy.
In my own attempts to find a deeper sense of connection with love through meditation,
I would often find myself swamped by negative emotions and thoughts. I didn't realize
they were negative until I began to take notice of them and their impact. Often,
I would be driven away from meditation by an intense need to fix my discomfort by
distracting myself. Then I realized that I was resisting being present to the pain.
This resistance got me no closer to peace. It kept me stuck in my fear. So I began
to recognize the subtle ways that my fears were ruling my life. The next step was
to address them head on... by being with the fear, acknowledging it and accepting
its presence.
So I allowed my practice to become a healing chamber, a place where I could become
present to and acknowledge my fears and move through them. It's not until we have
the courage to move through our painful fears that we can then be present with the
love and compassion that is hiding out on the other side.
What we resist, persists. There is a reason for our pains being present: a message
or gift, something for us to learn.
Here are some of the basic steps that I take in my practice when I am aware that
there is fear driving me in some way. The principle is acceptance and integration.
• Sit in a sacred space,
relax and hold an intention to be loving and compassionate with yourself. It is important
to hold this intention no matter what you are experiencing.
• Acknowledge the feeling of fear. This may be experienced as anger, anxiety, physical
pains, restricted breathing, depression, etc.
• Feel the feeling and allow it to bring you present. Explore where it manifests
in the body and how it feels. Just be aware without judgment of the feeling sensation
in the body. Notice it and observe it.
• If it has a voice, let it speak to you. Ask it what its purpose is and look to
understand the positive intention. You can even see if it has a name. Accept however
much or little comes. Receive it.
• Lastly, make a prayer to fully surrender the fear. Speak out loud. End with acknowledging
gratitude for whatever state of connection with love and compassion you have
reached.
Above all, be present and
open to Grace.
Joey Walters is an ordained Interfaith Minister and spiritual counselor living
in Edinburgh, UK. She is a coach and facilitator with individuals and organizations,
helping them to fulfill their highest vision and purpose. She is currently developing
a leadership initiative for women called "Women at the Heart of Leadership,"
which aims to support women in stepping into their full and balanced power. For more
information, e-mail Joey on joey@bluecorn.co.uk
Copyright ©
2003 Joey Walters
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